What Does Code P0336 Mean?
- P0336 definition: The engine control module, ECM, has detected an improper/irregular voltage coming from the crankshaft position sensor.
- Issue Severity: SEVERE – Stop driving immediately
- Repair Urgency: Fix this code immediately (same day if possible) to avoid internal engine damage.
- Diagnosis: This trouble code can end up leaving you stranded due to the fact that your car may not start without a signal from the crankshaft position sensor. It is advised that you get this concern fixed as soon as possible before needing to tow it.
The ECM relies on the crankshaft position sensor to know when to fire the injectors and spark plugs. When code P0336 is set, the ECM is reading an irregular voltage coming from the crankshaft position sensor. There are two different styles of crankshaft position sensors: a pick-up wire type sensor which has two wires and produces an A/C voltage signal, and a Hall-effect sensor which has three wires (power, signal, and ground) and produces a digital 0V or 5V signal. Both of these sensors require an oscilloscope to fully diagnose, but a basic diagnosis can be made with a multimeter.
P0336 Causes
There are many potential causes of code P0336.
- Faulty crankshaft position sensor (most common)
- Damaged reluctor ring
- Loose or improperly installed reluctor ring
- Chaffed wiring
- Poor connection at connector
- Open in crankshaft position sensor circuit
P0336 Symptoms
- Check Engine Light
- Hard Start
- No Start
- Intermittent Stalling
- Intermittent Misfire
- No noticeable adverse conditions in some cases
How Do I Fix Code P0336?
With a crankshaft position sensor problem, the first step is to get it diagnosed to figure out what is causing the problem.
If your vehicle has this fault and you’re not comfortable diagnosing this issue at home, we recommend finding a RepairPal certified shop nearby to pinpoint the problem and give an accurate estimate for repairs.
These shops can not only help you figure out what’s going wrong before you waste time and money on the wrong parts, but they also offer a minimum 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty and stand behind all their estimates with guaranteed fair pricing.
> Find a RepairPal Certified Shop Near You
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Code P0336?
P0336 can be caused by anything from a bad crankshaft position sensor to a faulty reluctor ring to damaged wiring. It’s impossible to give an accurate estimate without properly diagnosing the issue first.
If you take your car to a shop for diagnosis, most shops will start with an hour of “diag time” (the time spent in labor diagnosing your specific issue). Depending on the shop’s labor rate, this typically costs somewhere between $75-$150. Many, if not most, shops will apply this diagnosis fee to any required repairs if you have them perform the repairs for you. From there, a shop will be able to give you an accurate estimate for repairs to fix your P0336 code.
Possible Repair Costs for P0336
For error code P0336, one or more of the below repairs may be needed to solve the underlying issue. For each possible repair, the estimated cost of repair includes the cost of the relevant parts and the cost of labor required to make the repair.
- Crankshaft position sensor $190-$250
- Wiring repair/replacement $100-$1000
- Reluctor ring $60-$800
DIY Steps to Diagnose Code P0336
Engine code P0336 could be caused by a number of things, including a bad crankshaft position sensor, a dirty or damaged reluctor ring, or faulty wiring. If you’d like to try to fix code P0336 at home without throwing money at parts, you’ll want to follow the steps below for proper diagnosis. Keep in mind that this is an intermediate-level diagnosis and repair and is not recommended for beginners. Diagnosis requires more specialized equipment beyond what the FIXD Sensor can provide and it can be a time and labor-intensive process for inexperienced DIYers.
DIY difficulty level: Intermediate
This repair requires mechanical knowledge and is not recommended for beginners.
Tools/parts needed (our top picks from Amazon):
- FIXD
- Basic hand tools
- Multimeter
- Vehicle Specific Service Manual
STEP 1: USE FIXD TO ENSURE NO OTHER ENGINE CODES ARE PRESENT.
Use FIXD to check if there are any other codes along with P0336.
STEP 2: CHECK WIRING AND CONNECTORS.
Locate the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) and inspect the wiring for chafing or damage. Also, check to make sure the connector is fully connected. Some CKP connectors can appear to be connected but not be fully clicked into place. Consult your vehicle-specific service manual if you have trouble with the style of connector for your vehicle.
Look to see if you have a two-wire or three-wire CKP. If yours has two wires, proceed to step 3. If yours have three wires, skip to step 4.
STEP 3: TEST THE CKP (TWO-WIRE).
Remove the sensor. Connect your multimeter leads to the sensor wiring. Select AC voltage on your multimeter. Slowly move a screwdriver or wrench in front of the sensor portion of the CKP (the part facing the reluctor ring). If the sensor is working you should see a voltage reading. If you don’t get a voltage reading, replace the CKP.
STEP 4: TEST THE CKP (THREE-WIRE).
Check the sensor to ensure it has a good 12-volt power supply, as well as a good ground signal.
STEP 5: CHECK THE RELUCTOR RING.
Remove the sensor and check the reluctor ring. Some engines will have the reluctor ring on the crank pulley, some of the flywheel/flexplate, and some on the crankshaft itself inside the crankcase. The reluctor ring shouldn’t move if you try and push it side to side and the teeth should all be the same. Rotate the crankshaft to inspect all the teeth. There will be gaps in certain areas.
If, at this point, you haven’t found any problems, consider replacing the crankshaft position sensor. This code can be intermittent and hard to diagnose if it’s not actively malfunctioning.
Common P0336 Diagnosis Mistakes
Replacing the crankshaft position sensor without inspecting the reluctor ring or the wiring for the sensor.
Still Need Help Fixing Code P0336?
If you’ve followed the steps above and are still experiencing check engine code P0336, please contact the FIXD Mechanic Hotline if you’re a FIXD Premium subscriber or find a RepairPal certified shop near you to get the right repairs at a fair price.
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